Obama Care Protects Women’s Health

With open enrollment for the health exchanges quickly approaching, October 1st will be another layer of brick and mortar to uphold women’s equal rights. Three years ago with the enactment of the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act, the United States government took a small step for man and giant leap for mankind. But as a result of controversy between the left and the right wings around this legislation, the forward movement to protect women’s health has flown under the radar. This law lowers the costs of health care for women, increases access to quality health care, and pays attention to the distinct health needs of women and families. As women, we often make health care decisions for ourselves and for our families, so it is important that we know how the health care law benefits us.

For insurance companies, it’s been no secret… but perhaps it has been to the general public. Women have often been charged more than men for the exact same health coverage. As well, women have paid higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Most women also tend to make less than men and therefore have had a harder time paying for health care costs. As a result, women have not always had access to the health care they needed or the freedom to make the best health care choices for themselves and their families.

How Much More Have Women Paid for Health Insurance

Women’s Benefits Now Fully Covered Thanks to ObamaCare

But that’s all changing. The new health care law already requires most health plans and insurance policies to cover recommended preventive services at no additional cost. This means that, each year, a woman can have a well-woman visit with her health care provider at no cost to her. It also means women can get free screenings for breast and cervical cancer; FDA-approved contraception; breastfeeding support and equipment; screening and counseling for domestic violence; smoking cessation medications and services; and more. Furthermore, more low-income women will be eligible for Medicaid in 2014 even if they do not have children.

Thanks to the health care law, insurance coverage is also improving for millions of women, ensuring that they can get coverage that meets their unique needs. Starting in 2014, a woman cannot be denied coverage because of a pre-existing or current health condition, like if she’s had breast cancer, depression, or is pregnant. A woman will no longer be charged more for the same coverage as a man just because she’s a woman, meaning that being a woman will no longer be a pre-existing condition. More women will also have access to maternity coverage and care for their newborns. In fact, current estimates show that at least 8.7 million women will gain maternity coverage because of the health care law. And that’s not all. An estimated 62 million Americans will gain expanded coverage of mental health and substance use disorder benefits under the Affordable Care Act.

Starting this October, whether a woman is uninsured or wants to explore new insurance options, she can visit the Health Insurance Marketplace.The Marketplace will give women a whole new way to choose from a range of private health plans that cover essential benefits, including maternity and newborn care, hospitalizations, outpatient visits and prescription drugs. With just one application, they will also be able to determine whether they are eligible for lower monthly premiums for private insurance on the Marketplace or coverage through Medicaid.

ObamaCares Women’s Health Benefits

The U.S Department Health and Human Services estimates that 18.6 million uninsured women will be eligible for coverage through the Marketplace. For the very first time, Americans can go to one place to get accurate information on different plans and make apples-to-apples comparisons on benefits, quality and cost. The Marketplace will be one more tool in our toolbox to help us make the best decisions for ourselves and our families.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act and the Health Insurance Marketplace, we will soon see fewer uninsured women and families, improved access to preventive services, and equal access to quality health care.

Author: Nurse Alice

Nurse Alice is America’s favorite nurse on television. She is a nationally board certified cardiac clinical nurse specialist in Los Angeles, CA and a reoccurring television & radio health expert and contributor. She hosts The Check Up with Nurse Alice, and has appeared on several national shows including The Dr Oz Show, Dr Drew, The Doctors, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, FOX News and CNN.